As a diversified engineering company working on technology from turbines and trains, smart grids to digital factories, Siemens does a lot of things.

“It transforms industries, it harnesses energy resources to improve power generation, it connects machines to machines to manufacture things, it moves people and goods via road and rail, and it even gets the water to your shower,” says Keshin Govender, head of communications at Siemens South and East Africa.

Govender adds, “Quite simply, our technology makes things work. However, it is hard for you or me to imagine exactly how this happens every minute or every hour and how it is improving our lives. This was a purposeful shift away from corporate storytelling to create relatable, human moments.”

“We used a ‘day in the life of’ story format of a man and a woman, and a narrator. The narrator – the voice of Siemens – is a third character in the story that the couple hear at certain points in the story,” says Graeme Jenner, ECD at King James Group. “The trick was getting that fine balance right, letting people know exactly how Siemens plays a role in their lives, but doing it in such a way that it adds to the story and doesn’t detract.”

The short film has drama, comedy, and a plot twist and is a piece of work that goes beyond a simple TVC to demystify the Siemens brand for people who mostly take technology that enables infrastructure for granted.

“Working on a longer format was a real treat,” adds Kim Geldenhuys, director of 0307 Films. “We don’t get to do that very often and it required a slightly different headspace and focus. The luxury of holding on shots for more than two seconds is addictive and I’m not sure we are going to ever be able to go back to a shorter format.”

The short film formed part of an integrated cross-platform programme aimed at telling the 'story of Siemens' in a meaningful and impactful way.

“Our technology is more than bits and bytes or nuts and bolts – it’s about creating value for society,” concludes Govender.

Siemens has had a presence in South Africa for 157 years and been involved with landmark energy, manufacturing, and transportation projects across the country.

You can watch the short film by Siemens here.

For more information, visit www.siemens.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.